"It is a very exciting time for the Club," said Lowton to Villa's website.

"We went through some difficult periods last season but we finished strongly and had won a lot of people over by the end of the season. The fans were with us all the way though and they made themselves heard home and away, superbly well and that's something that really helps the team and is appreciated greatly by all the lads. Everyone could see what the gaffer was working towards and over the second half of the season it showed.

"With the new signings this season as well as some players signing new contracts, the likes of me and Ashley, Andi, Brad, Ciaran and Nathan, it shows the Club is moving forward and it's really exciting to be a part of that."